Somerset

Somerset is a flagship all-day Mediterranean and New American restaurant located on the ground floor of the historic Viceroy Chicago hotel at 1112 N State St in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Named after the 1920s Somerset Hotel that originally occupied the site—and whose meticulously preserved brick-and-terracotta Cedar Hotel facade anchors the building’s base—the restaurant blends mid-century country club aesthetics with coastal Mediterranean culinary traditions. Operated within a property honored with One Michelin Key, Somerset draws neighborhood locals, hotel guests, and culinary travelers for stone-fired flatbreads, North African and Levantine small plates, weekend brunch, and craft cocktails served across a dramatic two-story dining room and seasonal sidewalk patio.

What to Expect at Somerset

Designed by the acclaimed firm AvroKO, the interior of Somerset channels the nautical elegance of a vintage American yacht and country club. Guests enter past a central horseshoe cocktail bar topped with white marble, moving into a dining room defined by double-height ceilings, arched steel-framed windows, dark wood paneling, woven cane chairs, and plush leather banquettes. During warmer months, the floor-to-ceiling storefront windows open onto a landscaped courtyard and State Street patio, allowing diners to eat outdoors under shaded umbrellas along one of the Gold Coast’s liveliest pedestrian corridors.

The kitchen focuses on shared plates inspired by Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, alongside classic American breakfast and brunch staples. Dinner and lunch menus highlight stone-fired breads, house-made dips seasoned with smoky za’atar, zesty harissa, and toasted pistachio dukkah, plus wood-grilled meats and fresh seafood. The beverage program features Mediterranean-leaning wines by the glass and bottle, local Chicago craft beers, and botanical cocktails built around citrus, Mediterranean herbs, and house-infused spirits. Weekday afternoons also feature a popular Monday-through-Friday happy hour at the bar and lounge.

• Stone-Fired Breads and Mezze: House-baked pita and flatbreads served hot from the hearth alongside whipped feta, hummus, labneh, and roasted vegetable spreads spiced with harissa, sumac, and dukkah.
• AvroKO Yacht-Club Interior: A two-story architectural space combining 1920s Gold Coast heritage with brass fixtures, vaulted ceilings, navy-and-cream upholstery, and an upper mezzanine level for private dining.
• State Street Sidewalk Patio: A sought-after seasonal outdoor terrace set right along North State Street, prime for al fresco brunch, afternoon spritzes, and people-watching in the Gold Coast.
• Weekend Gold Coast Brunch: Served Saturday and Sunday mornings, pairing Mediterranean shakshuka, whipped ricotta toast, and grain bowls with classic eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, and build-your-own mimosas.
• Weekday Happy Hour at the Bar: Hosted Monday through Friday in the lounge area, offering discounted craft cocktails, select wines, and bar bites for early evening gatherings.

Somerset at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

Reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday dinner service as well as weekend brunch, particularly if you want to request a table on the outdoor State Street patio between May and October. Weekday breakfasts and lunches are much easier for walk-ins, and the central bar accommodates solo diners and couples without advance bookings. The dress code is smart casual; tailored resort wear, neat denim, and evening attire blend right in with the Gold Coast crowd. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners will find ample options among the vegetable mezze, salads, and grilled fish dishes.

Getting to Somerset by public transit is straightforward: take the CTA Red Line to the Clark/Division station and walk three blocks east on Division Street and half a block south on State Street, or ride the #36 Broadway or #22 Clark bus routes. Valet parking is available directly at the Viceroy Chicago entrance on State Street, and several public parking garages operate along Maple and Elm streets. The restaurant features a step-free street-level entrance, wide aisles between lower-level dining tables, and ADA-accessible restrooms via the main hotel lobby. After your meal, take the Viceroy elevators up to Deveraux on the 18th floor for rooftop views of Lake Michigan, stroll 6 minutes east to Oak Street Beach along the Lakefront Trail, or walk 5 minutes south to browse the luxury boutiques on Oak Street and the Magnificent Mile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Somerset’s hours and when is the best time to visit?

Somerset is open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, serving breakfast, lunch, weekday happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch. For a lively scene, book dinner between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM on Friday or Saturday, or visit Monday through Friday late afternoon for happy hour at the bar.

How much does a meal cost at Somerset and are reservations required?

Somerset falls into the $$$ price tier, with shared mezze and appetizers ranging from $14 to $22, main courses from $24 to $48, and craft cocktails around $16 to $20. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar and during quiet weekday mornings, but advance reservations via the official website or OpenTable are advised for weekend brunch and dinner.

How much time should I budget for dining at Somerset?

Plan on 45 to 60 minutes for a weekday breakfast or casual lunch, and 1.5 to 2 hours for a multi-course shared Mediterranean dinner or leisurely weekend brunch. If you plan to pair dinner with rooftop drinks upstairs at Deveraux, budget an extra hour.

Is Somerset wheelchair accessible and suitable for families?

Yes, Somerset has a step-free entrance from North State Street and through the Viceroy Chicago lobby, with wheelchair-accessible seating on the main dining floor and patio as well as ADA-compliant restrooms. High chairs and flexible breakfast and brunch options make daytime hours welcoming for families with children, while evenings skew toward couples and adult groups.

When planning your Somerset travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Somerset, pair this stop with standout local spots including Paranormal Roadtripper's Nightmare Gallery, Serendipity at the Orange Door, Comfort Inn, and Somerset Inn (nearby).